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Instrument #2: Harp!

Imagine baby angels and cherubs floating blissfully on a cloud of serenity and peace…that’s how your child would sound practicing the harp. An often forgotten instrument, harp is one of the most versatile and foundational instruments available.

When most people think of learning music fundamentals, they think the piano. Rightfully so – you can see all the keys, learn about music theory, how to read and write all through the piano. However, harp affords students the same benefits without a lot of the drama.

Believe it or not, harps are often cheaper to rent than pianos and take up significantly less space. Lever harps come in small sizes for kids to play and lap harps are even smaller and can weigh as little as 10 lbs. Perfect for a small apartment – and the aesthetic of having a harp adds to the décor.

Like piano, harp is an instant gratification instrument. You pluck the string and beautiful sound is released. Playing a key on a piano is similar, but the sound of a harp string plucked produces an even richer, lush sound that is sure to delight the ears.

Unlike violin or guitar, which have hollow, easily breakable bodies, harp is made of solid wood and stands upright on its own. So your child doesn’t need to be holding the instrument at the perfect angle just to play it. Playing position on other instruments is sometimes cumbersome for children, deterring them from playing an instrument altogether.

When learning harp, kids will receive all the same benefits to learning piano and more, such as developing finger dexterity, hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and spatial awareness, all while learning music theory and reading music on a grand staff.

Finally, learning a musical instrument like the harp can help children with sensory processing disorder (SPD). Often prescribed by occupational therapists, music lessons, when taught consciously, can help the brain organize and process sound. So when a child plucks a harp string, they have a clear visual connection to the sound emitted. That helps kids with SPD identify and understand where the sound comes from and how it’s created. And with its soothing and calming tone, the harp is a gentle and magical way for kids to start enjoying music.

Next Page: Click Here for Instrument Number 3! And if you’re not already on our newsletter email list, don’t forget to subscribe below for more info on instruments, games for the whole family, and more: